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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to recognize Dr. James M. Robertson, recently retired State Geologist and Director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, as the 2020 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences, AGI's highest award.
Dr. Robertson has provided outstanding service to the geoscience community in a variety of roles, most notably as long-time director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. There he acquired and developed Wisconsin's repository for core and geological samples, the Mount Horeb Research and Education Center. Today this repository boasts over 660,000 feet of rock core, thousands of well-cutting sets, and irreplaceable hand samples.
Before that, Dr. Robertson served at New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources in roles including Associate Director, Acting Deputy Director, Senior Economic Geologist, and Mining Geologist. Earlier, Dr. Roberson was a geologist at Hudson's Bay Oil & Gas Co. Ltd. and a visiting assistant professor at Michigan Technological University. He earned his bachelor's degree in geology from Carleton College in 1965, his master's in geology from the University of Michigan in 1968, and his Ph.D. in economic geology from the University of Michigan in 1972.
Dr. Robertson held leadership roles at the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) including that of President in 1999-2000, and he played an integral role on the AASG Federal Liaison Committee. He also held leadership roles at AGI, serving as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, and chair of the Government Affairs Committee. Dr. Robertson was a Geological Society of America (GSA) Geology and Public Policy Committee member for over 30 years and became a GSA fellow in 1997. He has been active in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources; the New Mexico Geological Society; the Society of Economic Geologists; the American Institute of Professional Geologists; and additional national and state boards, councils, and committees.
"This award is especially meaningful to me because it formally recognizes the complimentary roles of science, education, administration, and public service — foundational elements of successful state geological surveys," Dr. Robertson said on receiving the award. "And it is particularly humbling that my peers believe I've made a deserving contribution."
The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.
Dr. Robertson is being recognized at GSA 2020 Connects Online.
About AGI
AGI is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications